Hot Topics:

Artists of the Week : Three artists open Mas Art in Las Cruces to help artists create

Mas Art is run by artists for artists

By S. Derrickson Moore

dmoore@lcsun-news.com @DerricksonMoore on Twitter

Posted:
01/19/2014 03:38:32 AM MST

From left, Malu Bender, Sandra Bender work together to provide materials to help artists create and frame their masterpieces. (Robin Zielinski - Sun-News)

LAS CRUCES >> Art, like God, is often in the details. And artists know that many factors go into the creation of a masterpiece, from brushes and paints to the final choice of frame.

Karen Matthews and sisters Malu and Sandra Bender kept such details -- and economics -- in mind when they decided to open Mas Art in downtown Las Cruces.

"We did a lot of research. Our goal was to put together a collection of the highest quality art supplies for the lowest price we could get before we lose money," said Sandra Bender.

The group brings an eclectic collection of skills to their enterprise.

Joey Avalos consults Sandra Bender about framing one of his works. Avalos is also featured artist for January at Mas Art. (Robin Zielinski - Sun-News)

Malu is an accomplished artist whose vivid and evocative surreal paintings are discovered by art lovers in nooks of Mas Art. She is currently finishing a bachelor's degree in studio art from New Mexico State University.

Sandra has a Ph.D. in psychology, a subject she teaches at Doña Ana Community College. She also has 26 years of experience in framing at the Frame & Art Center, which she ran with her ex-husband.

Matthews is a 30-year R.N. with an artistic heritage. Her mom is artist and gallery owner Carolyn Bunch and her brother, artist Tony Pennock, is known for both his multimedia works and his water tower murals throughout Las Cruces and New Mexico.

Advertisement

"Among the three of us, we pretty much cover it all -- body, mind and soul," Matthews quipped.

Mas Art, according to their website, "was created in the porch of our house on a summer night in 2011. The name is a mixture of our two names, 'Ma' for Malu and 'S' for Sandra, 'Mas Art.' Inspired by sisters' love of art and the need for services and art supplies in the community our web site was created."

Karin Matthews, a nurse for 30 years, works on a frame. Sandra Bender has a doctorate in psychology and her sister Malu is an artist. "Among us, we cover it all — body, mind and soul," Matthews said. (Robin Zielinski - Sun-News)

When they prepared to purchase supplies, they realized a business with a store front, rather than just a website, was required. They decided to add more to the mix, including custom framing, matting, conservation and special fabric and cross-stitching services.

"It took us almost a year to find the right person to share our dream. But find her we did," report the Brazilian sisters on their website, referring to business partner Matthews.

Matthews said the trio are having a lot fun working together.

"We're learning and developing together," she said.

They also wanted to help artists properly showcase their creations.

"A frame needs to be part of the artwork," Sandra Bender said.

Sandra does custom framing.

"If you're going to open the door, you should be able to put frames together, and my sister has the experience to do that. The frame makes a huge difference and can make or break a piece. You should not have to get through the frame to get to the artwork," Malu Bender said.

Response has been good, the women said, particularly from faculty and students at DACC and New Mexico State University, and area artists who continue to discover their resources.

"Their prices are fabulous and they have a really good selection. I'd definitely recommend that all the artists in the area check them out," said artist Karin Bradshaw, during her first visit to the store Saturday while strolling through the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market.

Another goal is to maintain a no-fees venue for artists, Sandra Bender said. They participate in the Downtown Ramble from 5 to 7 p.m. the first Friday of each month with a reception for a exhibit of works by featured artists, which change monthly. Joey Avalos is showcased in January.

Billionaires, entertainers and athletes alike announced their intentions to pursue the Los Angeles Clippers with varying degrees of seriousness Wednesday, proving the longtime losers will be quite a prize if the NBA is able to wrest control of the team away from Donald Sterling after his lifetime ban for racist remarks. Full Story

Louie, who (like Louis) is a New York comic and a divorced father of two daughters, knows struggle and angst and cloudy wonderment. He views life through eyes with a stricken look, dwelling in a state of comfortable dread. Full Story